Reading Assignments


Our Texts
Leadership Courage


Week 1

1. In Glatthorn, read:
    • Chapter 1: Getting Started
    • Chapter 2: Organizing and Planning for Curriculum Work
    • Chapter 3: Laying the Foundation for the District Curriculum
  • While you read, consider two guiding questions:
    • How can you use theories about curriculum to develop your own definition of curriculum?
    • How does the definition influence the planning, development, and implementation of curriculum?
2. Read, Education Trust PowerPoint Presentation
The Education Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the education of all students. It provides advocacy, analysis, and testimony on policies aimed at closing the achievement gap, and promotes research and the wide dissemination of data. This PowerPoint, THE ANATOMY OF SUCCESS: Lessons from Schools on the Achievement Frontier, is adapted from the presentation of Kati Haycock from Detroit Public Schools Principals. This reading is based on national data from 2007, and shows the importance of curriculum.
3. Read the article, __//Statewide Teaching Strategy Unveiled//__.
This 2007 article, explains that Rhode Island adopted a state curriculum in reading, writing, and mathematics. The curriculum is entirely web-based so that it can be easily accessed by teachers, parents, and students. As you read, think about the benefits and challenges of implementing a required statewide curriculum. Rhode Island joined other
states that had already rolled out a statewide curriculum including Utah and Georgia. Maryland utilizes a a voluntary program, and states such as Texas and New York mandate statewide curriculum. Many countries in Europe follow a national curriculum.
As you read this brief article, consider your own state (or country's curriculum if you are international). Do you have a mandatory or voluntary statewide curriculum? Or, is your curriculum still at the local level? Be prepared to discuss whether curriculum should be mandated or voluntary.
4. Read, Theories and Definitions of Curriculum (download on the right)
As you read, think about your own definition of curriculum.

Week 2

1. Read Chapters, 2, 7, and 8 in Burrello. Pay particular attention to Postman’s narratives on pages 17-19 and the strategies discussed on pages 122-130. Also, consider the following questions as you read:
  • How does curriculum reflect American society?
  • What are the implications for curriculum development based on the psychometric paradigm? What about the developmentally appropriate paradigm?
  • How can the written and taught curriculum be modified for an inclusive setting?
2. Read Developing the Curriculum by Peter Oliva for this week's team activity.